Photomath
Point your camera at a math problem and get the solution broken into steps you can follow
by Google LLC · listed Nov 5, 2026
Quick verdict
A fast, reliable way to check math homework and understand the steps behind it. The free tier is enough for many people, though the best explanations sit behind a subscription.
Best for Students and parents who want to see how a math problem is solved, not just the answer
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 5, 2026. How we review
Photomath review
Photomath reads math problems through your phone camera, whether they are printed in a textbook, handwritten on paper or shown on a screen, and returns a solution with the working laid out step by step. It covers arithmetic through algebra, geometry and calculus, and it can handle some word problems too. It suits students checking homework, and parents trying to help with methods they have long forgotten.
Day to day it is quick: frame the problem, let it scan, then tap through each step at your own pace. Some steps include short animations showing how an expression changes from one line to the next. Basic explanations are free. Deeper explanations and extra help sit behind the Photomath Plus subscription, so you will see prompts to upgrade from time to time.
Why we picked it: It is one of the most widely used math helpers, now owned by Google, and its focus on showing the working makes it more useful for learning than a plain answer checker.
Watch out for: It is easy to copy answers without understanding them, and the more detailed explanations require a paid subscription.
What we like
- Scans printed, handwritten and on-screen problems
- Shows working step by step rather than just the final answer
- Covers basic arithmetic up to calculus
- Free tier includes basic step explanations
- Available in many languages
What could be better
- More detailed explanations need a Plus subscription
- Tempting to copy answers instead of learning
- Messy handwriting or unusual layouts can trip up the scanner
Questions about Photomath
Is Photomath free?
The app is free to download and includes basic step-by-step solutions. Fuller explanations and extra features come with the optional Photomath Plus subscription.
Is it available on Android?
Yes, Photomath is offered on both iPhone and Android.
What level of math does it handle?
It works from elementary arithmetic through algebra, geometry and calculus, and can tackle some word problems.
Who owns Photomath?
Photomath is published by Google LLC, which acquired the app from its original Croatian developer.
Are there alternatives?
Microsoft Math Solver and Symbolab offer similar camera-based solving with step explanations.
From the developer: how Photomath describes itself
Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners to learn, practice, and understand math – one step at a time.
Scan any math problem with the Photomath app to get step-by-step explanations with accurate solutions and a variety of teacher-approved methods. Math is about the process, so Photomath breaks your problem into bite-sized steps to help you understand the “what” and “why” along with the “how.” Whether you’re learning basic arithmetic or advanced geometry, we’ll tackle it together, step by step.
Why Photomath?
Billions of math problems: From elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus and everything in between, Photomath can solve billions of math problems—including word problems! Whether handwritten, in a textbook, or on a screen, Photomath is here to help you untangle your trickiest problem.
Step-by-step explanations: Math isn’t just about an answer. It’s about every step along the way. That’s why Photomath breaks down each step, so you can *really* learn. Less guesswork = less stress, especially with our new Animated Steps, which show you the exact progression of a particular step. Get basic step-by-step explanations at no charge when you download Photomath.
Expert-developed methods: Photomath’s educational content is centered around the learner’s experience, driven by the expertise of our own team of mathematicians and former math teachers.
Self-paced learning: Photomath’s instant support is like having a 24/7 virtual tutor. Checking your homework before dinner? Stuck on a problem at 2am? We can help. Follow our detailed steps, taking whatever time you need to review definitions, rationale, and more – all within the explanation.
Want to dive deeper and explore more ways to learn? Photomath Plus can get you there with custom Animated Tutorials, detailed Textbook Solutions, and more!
KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step explanations included in our basic version (at no charge) • Word problem instructions • Interactive graphs • Video learning • Multiple solution methods • Advanced scientific calculator
Photomath is for learners of all levels, including those studying: Numbers & Quantity Algebra Functions Trigonometry & Angles Sequences Geometry Calculus
“The step-by-step guide is beneficial to students that do not have access to a tutor and struggle with solving math problems.” — Forbes
“A viral video about a new app looks like a dream come true for anyone who struggles with math.” — Time ___________________________________________
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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